The story was originally published in The Sylva Herald on Feb. 14, 2019.
How do you replace a legend?
You become one.
Harry Duke set the mold for photographic excellence at WCU. He was named the university’s very first staff photographer in 1974, and retired on Aug. 30, 1985. When the search to replace the seasoned veteran was underway, attention turned to an unlikely candidate – a student photographer named Mark Haskett.
It was a job opportunity that changed his life. Doug Reed, former director of public information at WCU, gave Haskett a call during finals week of Haskett’s senior year to offer him a job in public information at WCU, which he accepted. Haskett graduated from WCU on a Friday in 1987, and two days later started his full-time career.
Mark Haskett interviewed with The Sylva Herald and The Western Carolina Journalist on Feb 7, 2019. Photo by Jillian Kassor
Reed’s move was a gamble that reaped lavish rewards.
Haskett has had photos published in the Asheville Citizen Times, The Charlotte Observer, The Sylva Herald, Winston-Salem Journal and numerous publications over the years, a number he estimates is in the thousands, leaving him guessing he has taken close to a million pictures. As the world transitioned to the internet, Haskett’s images have been ubiquitous across the web. Offices and hallways at WCU are also adorned with his work.
Some awards and honors Haskett have recently received are a certificate of recognition from Jackson County School Board, the 2017 Chief of Staff Award of Recognition and The Eva Adcock Award celebrating his involvement with Mountain Heritage Day over the past four years.
Haskett has been a fixture at sporting events and public celebrations across the region for decades. Sylva Herald editor Jim Buchanan, who worked with Haskett at Western Carolina’s student newspaper in the early 1980s, said if it there was something going on, you’d always see Haskett. “He always wore two things,’’ Buchanan said: “A camera and a smile.’’
“Mark Haskett has been a friend to Jackson County Public Schools for many years,’’ David Proffitt, Technology Director for Jackson County Public Schools, said. “His contributions as a parent, booster club director, photographer, and consultant cannot be overstated. But, Mark is even more respected for being a man of high integrity with a big heart and a love for the youth of Jackson County. We are blessed to have him in our community and we look forward to his continued involvement with Jackson County Schools in the years to come.”
JCPS recently recognized Haskett for his years of service at a board meeting.
In turn Haskett, who met his wife, Tammy, as a student photographer at WCU, recognized the special opportunity he was offered when he had a chance to step into Harry Duke’s shoes.
“When I graduated I figured I was going to have to move away from here to get a job. Doug Reed is a very special person to me. He took a chance on me. And, Jim Rowell, Doug’s assistant, he was like a second father to me while I was in school. They took a chance on me and let me stay in such a beautiful town with this wonderful community. I will be forever grateful to them,” Haskett said.
“Through his photography,’’ said WCU Chief Communications Officer Bill Studenc, “Mark Haskett has documented the transformation of Western Carolina University over the past 30-plus years. He is responsible for capturing some of the most iconic images of university life, from students gathered around the Alumni Tower for a somber ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 to the on-court celebration after the men’s basketball team won the Southern Conference championship in 1996, and from cloggers kicking up their heels on the stage at Mountain Heritage Day to late Chancellor David Belcher whipping out twin air horns to celebrate with the graduates at commencement. When he walked out the office on his last day of work, Mark took with him not only a honed skill set as a photographer with a sharp eye and a knack for capturing just the right moment, but he also took a wealth of institutional knowledge.”
Haskett says he doesn’t have a preferred canvas to shoot, although he says one of his favorite photos was taken on the one-year anniversary of 9/11 because it symbolized how we all came together as a country. Most often Haskett photographs promotional shots for activities on campus, athletic events, cultural and art events, portraits, student life, and anything else that documents studies and projects on campus.
“I enjoy shooting a lot of different things. I am looking to shoot some other stuff because I have done kind of the same things for 35 years. We are never too old to learn something new,” Haskett said.
Haskett recently retired as WCU’s director of photography and video services. In addition to serving as senior photographer, he was supervisor of another university photographer and two university videographers.
Haskett hopes to spend more time with his family, his church, East Sylva Baptist Church, and perhaps even fish a bit or play some golf. Haskett said he will continue taking photos for himself and his loved ones. A big factor in Haskett announcing his retirement has been his one-year old grandson, Bryant, whom he used to visit during most of his lunch breaks. Photography and family, two things Haskett cannot live without.
“As far as passions go photography has got to be at the top of the list. It’s what I have done my whole life, my whole career. As far as things to do: photography. As far as people: my family. I’ve got a great family, a very supportive, loving, caring family. All Western Carolina graduates!” Haskett said.
